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In a stunning start to their World Cup, England clinched a decisive 10-wicket win on the opening day, following dismissing South Africa for a low 69 runs in only 20.4 overs – marking the third lowest total in their history.

Surprising Display from the Proteas

Although South Africa showing as a strong team in world the women's game recently, following their the championship match of the T20 World Cup last year and featuring in the last four of the previous 50-over competition, this showing was puzzling and embarrassing. Only one hitter, keeper Sinalo Jafta, reached double figures, and half a dozen of their players were dismissed bowled on a decent pitch that seldom acted erratically.

The English Overpowering Chase

Responding, England’s new-look opening partnership of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones wasted no time of the target, finishing the contest with over 35 overs to spare – England's first World Cup win earned in less than three hours. Possibly even more critical in what might be a close preliminary tournament, the English net run rate is now a impressive 3.77.

Attack Defines the Standard

Following England took the toss and put in South Africa, Linsey Smith’s starting burst established dominance, the left-arm spinner posting a outstanding figures of 4-2-7-3 in her maiden 50-over World Cup fixture. She took a sharp self-taken catch to dismiss the captain Laura Wolvaardt, before floating the ball in to hit the wickets Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Skipper’s Dream Comeback

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt introduced herself as first bowling change and had a ideal return to international bowling attack, dismissing Anneke Bosch leg-before with her initial delivery since January’s Ashes series. In her subsequent over, Chloe Tryon sent up a weak chance to Alice Capsey at mid-on, as the Proteas fell to 38 for six within the opening 11 overs.

Given Sciver-Brunt’s slow return to bowling form over the past nine months, there had been some debate as to how many overs she might manage in this fixture, with the team choosing to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb in part to make sure there were alternative bowling cover.

Clinical Conclusion

Yet three overs were sufficient of Sciver-Brunt: a partnership of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean efficiently dispatched the South African remaining batters. Heather Knight, returning after a extended fight with a muscle issue, looked eager: she was not needed with the batting duties on this instance, but did hold onto a quick shoulder-height grab at slip which ended the innings to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Performance Barely Examined

The English fielding effort – frequently watched closely nowadays – was scarcely challenged here. Rather it was South Africa who missed the possibility to run out Jones early on, while Masabata Klaas dropped a simple caught and bowled chance offered by Jones on 31 – South Africa’s top opening of taking a breakthrough. On the contrary, Jones continued to drive the ball straight, finishing not out on 40. World Cup the game has seldom been this simple.